HS2 is delayed for another TWO YEARS: Ministers push back construction of beleaguered line between Birmingham and Crewe and confirm it won’t initially end in central London as fears increase over £100bn project

Ministers have delayed the construction of HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe by two years, it was announced today.

In a written statement to MPs, Transport Secretary Mark Harper blamed the inflation crisis and increased costs for the setback to the multi-billion pound rail project.

As well as the delay to the Birmingham to Crewe leg of HS2, Mr Harper also announced the Government would be prioritising servcices between Old Oak Common – outside of central London – to Birmingham under the first phase of the project.

This will likely to see those travelling to the capital from the Midlands having to complete their journeys into central London on the Underground network for a period of time.

Ahead of next week’s Budget, Mr Harper also announced delays to other major infrastructure schemes.

This includes the A27 Arundel and A5036 Princess Way in Liverpool, as well as the planned Lower Thames Crossing in London. 

Ministers have delayed the construction of HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe by two years

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